Hero to his fellow Soldiers

Photo By Spc. Jessica Luhrs-Stabile | Pfc. Albert Chapa, a San Antonio, Texas, native and a gunner for the lead truck with 2nd Platoon, C-Company, 1st Battalion, 37th Armor Regiment, 1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, also known as the 'Warpigs,' of Fort Bliss, Texas, received Marne Hero of the North for having the ability to communicate with the convoy he leads and the dismounts within the trucks.  

KIRKUK, IRAQ

01.18.2010

Story by Pfc. Jessica Luhrs-Stabile 

1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division

FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARRIOR, KIRKUK, Iraq — A San Antonio, Texas, native was named the Task Force Marne Hero of the North this week at Forward Operating Base Warrior, Kirkuk, Iraq.

Pfc. Albert Chapa, a gunner for the lead truck with 2nd Platoon, C-Company, 1st Battalion, 37th Armor Regiment, 1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, also known as the "Warpigs," of Fort Bliss, Texas, received this recognition for having the ability to communicate with the convoy he leads and the dismounts within the trucks.

I have never considered myself a hero, I just do my job to the best of my abilities, said Chapa. To be recognized for doing my job lets me know I am doing everything right.

This junior-enlisted Soldier does not have a duty that most with his time in service would; he has only been in the Army for about 17 months, according to Sgt. 1st Class John Irvine, Chapa's platoon sergeant and the non-commissioned officer who recommended him for Task Force Marne Hero of the North.

Because Chapa is the lead truck he is responsible for notifying the entire convoy of danger and being the eyes for the convoy, this is a job that usually requires a non-commissioned officer, Irvine added.

Pfc. Chapa has proven that he is more than qualified for the position, during a patrol, Dec. 26, 2009; he led the convoy in the dark and located a Iraqi local national that had been killed in action and took the convoy in to secure the area for the other 'Ready First' unit that was present, according to Sgt. 1st Class Irvine.

Also, on numerous convoys with the company first sergeant and commander, Pfc. Chapa has been praised and recognized for 'being on point and a very squared-away Soldier,' Sgt. 1st Class Irvine added.

By Pfc. Chapa making the convoy aware of their surroundings he saves countless lives and gets the convoys back to Joint Service Station McHenry, Iraq, safely, no matter what he thinks; Pfc. Chapa is a true hero to his fellow Soldiers.

• Date Taken: 01.18.2010
• Date Posted: 01.18.2010 05:23
• Story ID: 44043
• Location: KIRKUK, IQ